Changes to waste collection across Chatham-Kent are set to begin in the new year.
The municipality reported beginning January 1, 2024, waste management programs will change to enhance service efficiency and achieve provincial expectations.
The changes include all customers needing to use a new garbage cart to accommodate a new fully automated system.
Chatham-Kent’s collection contractor, Waste Connections of Canada, will distribute free 95-gallon wheeled refuse carts in January and February of 2024, with the option for replacement of this size with smaller carts of 65 or 25 gallons to cater to the various needs of residents and to ensure continued convenience for all curbside pickup in Chatham-Kent.
The municipality said the new automated service requires the use of the new containers that are compatible with automatic loading and servicing.
"While the majority of residents utilize automatically serviceable carts, some continue to use garbage bags, boxes, or small pails that require manual servicing," said Chatham-Kent's Manager of Waste Management Huda Oda.
A modified bulk item collection program will also begin in the new year.
The municipality bulk item collection will be separated from residents’ weekly garbage limits and a quarterly bulk item collection will be introduced.
Residents will be allowed to submit a bulk collection request for up to three items per residential unit per collection date.
"Residents are required to use the Recycle Coach mobile or web application to submit a bulk item collection request at least seven days prior to their designated collection date," said Oda. "This change will streamline the collection process, ensuring a seamless service."
The collection date information designated for each community is available on the Chatham-Kent website.
Municipal Customer Service representatives are also available for assistance if needed.
Hours are also being extended at the Dover, Harwich, and Wallaceburg drop-off depots to better serve local residents and the hours of operations of the stand-alone leaf and yard depots in Romney and Chatham are also changing to provide more consistency. The municipality is asking residents to refer to the Chatham-Kent Leaf and Yard Depot website for detailed information and keep an eye out for signage at the impacted sites.
Effective January 1, 2024, industrial, commercial, and institutional properties, including municipal buildings, daycares, places of worship, and not-for-profit organizations are not eligible for the recycling program and must arrange for private recycling collection to continue diverting these materials from the landfill stream.
The residential curbside recycling program will stay the same throughout 2024 and 2025.